Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this may seem brief, I’ve gained some insights. London is lively, not only due to its varied housing opportunities but also because of its vibrant communities. Students have an abundance of choices right at their fingertips. Both university accommodation and private rentals feature options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, complete with details on amenities and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a place to stay, I sought a room in Central London to remain close to significant attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the closest to the center. London boasts a superb public transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel across zones. To economize on travel expenses, as inter-zonal commuting can cost up to £5.25 per day, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have reduced university travel costs. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for traveling between zones fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train provider. Central London houses numerous major attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent. I preferred residing in intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and the same age demographic, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Living in close proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op exist alongside budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. The ethnic communities in London contribute significantly to its cultural landscape, providing a range of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek a taste of their homeland within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian population with Indian dining establishments, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with Chinese dining venues, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The finest locations to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.